Paladin’s Strength

Paladin’s Strength (2021) T. Kingfisher (The Saint of Steel)

Istvhan is a Paladin of a dead god. When the Saint of Steel died, every paladin went mad, sub-coming to battle rage, and only a few survived the madness. Those who were left went on to work for the Temple of the White Rat, assisting as they can.

She narrowed her eyes, studying him thoughtfully. “No, no, I see what it is. You see a hurt you think you can heal. It’s like paladin catnip, isn’t it?”

That blow was so precise that Istvhan was surprised he wasn’t bleeding,

Clara was kidnapped with her sisters, and is now seeking out any nuns who might have survived. She ends up with Istvhan after an incident with the group that nursed her back to health.

She had spoken so blithely about escaping her captors and traveling by night. His first thought had been that such things were a great deal more difficult than civilians thought.

Each has a secret they are desperate to keep, for fear of what will happen when if that secret gets out.

What is best about these two characters is how they snipe at each other…

“Do you have a name?” he asked.

“I do. Do you?”

His lips twitched. “Yes?”

“Excellent. We are both named beings.”

…and how they try to remain honest while keeping their secrets.

“Would it be okay with you if we just agree that we’re both sorry and then skip to the bit where we’ve forgiven each other and stopped feeling awkward about it?”

Also, there are some delightful characters who appear and then disappear. Such as this little old lady who feels she needs to look out for Clara.

“You will treat her well.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You will not beat her.”

“No! Certainly not!”

“You will not make her carry things that are too heavy.”

“Ah… no, ma’am.”

Another poke with the cane. “You will let her sleep afterward!”

“Ma’am, I… ah…” Istvhan looked helplessly over at Clara.

Publisher: Red Wombat Studios
Rating: 8.5/10

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